Responsible for handling the inbound freight needs of perishables and other products for all of WFM’s U.S. distribution centers, external customers and processors. Handles other freight needs. Strives to minimize overall supply chain costs without compromising quality or reliability of supply. Assists with providing support for WFM Exclusive Brands inventory management and performance improvement projects. Serves as liaison between central and regional teams, coordinates demand signals and availability among distribution network tiers, including vendors, consolidation warehouses and distribution centers.

Responsibilities:

• Works closely with the Exclusive Brands Research & Senior Analysts
• Runs and analyzes reports to support inventory management forecasting.
• Monitors logistics to ensure on-time deliveries; identifies and resolves inventory and vendor issues.
• Works with WFM and third-party consolidator representatives on arrival issues.
• Attends POD, Buyer, CaseStack, and other meetings as required.
• Works with internal stakeholders to understand current and anticipated ordering and issues.
• Facilitates advance planning with third-party stakeholders to meet changes in anticipated demand (i.e., due to promotional advertising, holidays, seasonal demand fluctuation).
• Provides data and works as liaison for WFM and UNFI buyers with Exclusive Brands teams and sub-teams.
• Works closely with the Exclusive Brands Research & Senior Analysts
• Runs and analyzes reports to support inventory management forecasting.
• Monitors logistics to ensure on-time deliveries; identifies and resolves inventory and vendor issues.
• Works with WFM and third-party consolidator representatives on arrival issues.
• Attends POD, Buyer, CaseStack, and other meetings as required.
• Works with internal stakeholders to understand current and anticipated ordering and issues.
• Facilitates advance planning with third-party stakeholders to meet changes in anticipated demand (i.e., due to promotional advertising, holidays, seasonal demand fluctuation).
• Provides data and works as liaison for WFM and UNFI buyers with Exclusive Brands teams and sub-teams.
• Collaborates directly with customers to resolve demand and replenishment exceptions (i.e. stock outs, excess stock).
• Monitors the trucking and delivery schedules to proactively identify potential issues and conflicts.
• Works with trucking, delivery, storage, and other stakeholders to resolve issues.
• Reviews periodic reports for patterns, trends, and systemic issues; communicating improvement recommendations to Team Leader and/or Lead Specialist.
• Drives improvement in key performance metrics, such as order fill rate, on-time delivery, inventory turns, service levels at shelf, returns, and inventory levels versus budget.
• Tracks and reports on key metrics on a regular basis.
• Ensures optimal use of processes and policies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the replenishment system.
• Maintains the Exclusive Brands Cost Catalogue.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of all transactions and projections based on past product movement, record handling, audit protocol, and NAFTA documentation.
• Positively represents WFM’s core values and business philosophy to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills:

• Proficient with standard ordering, delivery, trucking, and transportation practices and procedures.
• Advanced ability to perform basic mathematical problem solving, including:
  • Division, multiplication, addition, subtraction,
  • Computation of percentages, averages, weighted averages.

• Proficient with Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word.
• Proficient customer service skills.
• Proficient organizational skills.
• Communicates structured information in a clear, concise, and organized fashion.
• Collaborates with others to achieve objectives and ensure information flow.
• Effectively presents information and responds to questions in both one-on-one situations and group meetings.
• Works independently on routine responsibilities and receives additional guidance for new work or special assignments.
• Listens to and asks questions to solicit feedback, understand needs, and provide service.
• Regularly interacts with distributors and suppliers and first team leadership.
• May provide process or procedural guidance to others.
• Works on multi-faceted assignments requiring judgment and experience to successfully complete.
• Monitors effectiveness of standard practices, identifying required adaptation and change to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Evaluates and resolves the more difficult issues, referring those with greater complexity to higher levels for consideration.
• Clearly understands the relationships between Logistics and business / functional organizations.
• Clearly understands the relationships and interdependencies between the various logistics-related functions.
• Understands third-party business and operating procedures and their interrelationship with WFM’s Supply Chain processes and expectations.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma and 2-4years’ relevant experience.
• Associates degree, technical college, or some college course work preferred.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.